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Washington Street may not close May 2

Irrigation Festival vendors might set up in the parking lane of Washington Street downtown instead of taking two blocks of the street entirely, Interim Public Works Director Bill Bullock told the city council at its March 23 meeting.

They still must analyze the logistics, but parking could be prohibited on Washington Street between Sequim and Second avenues - with Sequim Avenue remaining open - and the vendor booths would set up there facing the sidewalk, he said.

The mid-block crossings could be used for pedestrian circulation while maintaining traffic flow on Washington Street and providing access for emergency services, Bullock said.

Joe Borden, Irrigation Festival chairman, said, "It's a good solution. I think it might work out. It's an effort to engage the downtown storefronts in the festival. We're trying to make this a hometown event."

Interim City Manager Linda Herzog said city staff would return with a better solution if after analysis this one doesn't work out.

Festival organizers had proposed keeping Sequim Avenue open but closing Washington Street between Second and Sequim avenues and between Sequim and Sunnyside avenues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 2.

The 114th Sequim Irrigation Festival is May 2-10. The theme is "Sequim: A Magical Place." Planning and float construction are under way.

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